Dogs Breeds

Best Small Dog Breeds

If you are thinking of getting a small dog, there are lots of wonderful small dog breeds. It’s hard to say which are the best small dogs. That will usually depend on your personal situation and what you are looking for in a dog. Here are some things to consider to help you choose the best small dog.

Where Do You Live?

Although all small dogs are small, some of them require more exercise than others. If you live in an apartment you will probably want a small dog that doesn’t require much exercise. If you live in a house with a yard, then you could get a small dog that likes to play in the yard and run around more. Yorkshire Terriers and Chihuahuas make excellent apartment dogs. They are tiny and they don’t require much exercise. Some of the larger small dogs such as the Pug and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will appreciate a yard to play in. The Toy Fox Terrier is also a very active dog and, although small, needs some room to exercise.

Do You Like To Groom?

There is a wide range in coats among small dogs. Some of them have long, flowing coats, such as the Shih Tzu and the Maltese, which must be groomed regularly. The Pekingese also needs extensive brushing and grooming. Others have short, smooth coats such as the Italian Greyhound and the Manchester Terrier. These dogs have minimal grooming requirements. Then there are breeds with rough or wire-haired coats such as the Affenpinscher and the Brussels Griffon. These dogs need to be professionally groomed about every 6 to 8 weeks. If you get a Toy Poodle you will also need to have the dog clipped about every 6 to 8 weeks. You can do much of your dog’s grooming yourself, even if there is some clipping involved. Consider whether you are willing to commit to grooming a long coat regularly several times per week before getting a dog with a long coat.

What Kind of Temperament Do You Prefer?

One of the most important things to consider when you try to choose the best small dog for your lifestyle is what kind of temperament you like in a dog. Although all Toy dogs are small, they have very different temperaments. Some dogs, like the Chihuahua, are bold and feisty. Others, like the Pug, are sweet and clownish. The Havanese is a sweet, friendly, outgoing dog. The Shih Tzu is gentle and cheerful. The Manchester Terrier has more of a terrier temperament. They are loyal and lively and very smart. The Chinese Crested loves to be with their people, although they are also playful and alert. So, as you can see, the dogs can be very different from each other. Try to find out about the temperament of the breed that interests you to make sure it is a good match for your own personality.

What Is The Best Dog Food for Small Dogs?

Once you have chosen the best small dog for your situation, you will need to consider caring for your dog. That includes choosing the best dog food for your dog.

Small dogs have the same nutritional needs as other dogs. However, because it costs less to feed them, buying canned food can be a good option. It is usually cost-prohibitive to buy canned food for larger dogs because of their size and how much food is required. But it doesn’t cost much to feed a good quality canned food to a small dog. Choose the best quality food you can afford for your dog. Look for foods that have good quality protein sources. Some good foods for small dogs include Orijen, Acana, Taste of the Wild, Artemis, Dick Van Patten Natural Balance Dog Food, Eagle Pack Dog Food, Solid Gold Dog Food, and Wellness Dog Food.

The most important thing to keep in mind when feeding a small dog is to feed your dog several small meals per day. Some Toy breeds are prone to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Feeding several small meals per day will help avert problems from this condition.

Conclusion

When looking for the best small dog breeds the best thing to do is to consider your own lifestyle and choose a dog that will fit you and your needs. Ask yourself important questions like how much room you have for a dog, how much exercise your dog will get, how much time you will spend grooming a dog, and what kind of temperament you prefer in a dog.